Yesterday, Monday, July 10, 2023, the FOSM Trail Maintenance Crew hiked Capulin Peak Trail to remove two previously reported fallen trees and to perform other maintenance as required. The fallen trees were seven and twelve inches in diameter and had fallen next to each other creating a complete blockage of the trail. Both were well covered with branches which required a lot of cutting to remove before the main trunks could be addressed. Situations like this require careful evaluation before attempting removal because, like the old fashioned game of Pickup Sticks, moving one tree may cause movement of the other tree. After a number of careful cuts, both trees were safely moved away and the trail reopened at that point. In addition to removal of the two fallen trees, the crew also performed various routine trail work tasks such as brushing encroaching vegetation and re-cutting previously cut logs that were now deemed to be a bit too close to the trail tread. Crosscut-type saws and other hand tools were used for this work.

The day was partly cloudy and cool in the early hours, but warmed up rapidly as mid-day approached. An occasional light breeze helped a bit. Although the forest is starting to show signs of drying, Mariposa Lilies and Skyrocket (Scarlet Gilia) were abundant along the trail.

Monday's crew consisted of Byron Garner, Jerry Pekarek, Cleve Sharp. David McCreery, John Cooper, Rene Archer, Patrick Goschke, Jamey Browning, Bill Perkins, Ken Wilson and Bob Lowder. Please see attached Word file for photos and additional narrative. Photos are by Jamey Browning, Rene Archer and Bob Lowder.